Psychology-major turned broker Anastasia Ng keen to make a positive impact

Anastasia Ng never intended to become a broker.

Working casually as a secretary while studying psychology at university, she landed a job performing administrative duties for a broking firm.

But the run-of-the-mill temporary role became much more when her boss fell ill, and Anastasia stepped up to help the business.

Now, the Managing Director of her newly established finance broking business, Optume, Anastasia has a two-year plan and is looking to make a positive difference in her adopted profession.

Anastasia Ng is this month’s Prospa Groundbreaker.

MFAA: Can you outline your professional history and what led you to become a broker?

Anastasia Ng (AN): I didn’t have much of a professional history prior to broking. I was working casual receptionist roles while trying to finish my psychology major and landed an administration role in a broker firm. However, my boss ended up getting very sick, so I took up a lot of the responsibilities of broking while he was ill. I went on to complete my bachelor’s degree, Certificate IV, and Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking while working in broking. Six years went by in a flash.

MFAA: Does your study – presumably covering human behaviour – assist you in your role as a broker?

AN: Very much so, people have different reactions to the same situation and understanding the cause of it helps eliminate the issues upfront. However, having experience in banking as a BDM with Bank of Sydney between May 2018 and October 2019 also helps with providing clarifications and reasons for any painful parts of a process.

MFAA: You’ve been in business for yourself now for three months, what has the journey been like?

AN: It was a little nerve racking starting out. There are always those hiccups in the beginning with picking an aggregator, setting up office space and getting word out there that you are back in the industry. I have been very fortunate, I had clients coming to me prior to going back into the industry and other brokers have given me some amazing tips along the way. I guess that’s the perks of being a BDM.

MFAA: What have been the major challenges you’ve faced?

AN: Having the self-confidence to start was the most challenging. I had a few offers to join other brokers and lenders which was very heart-warming. However, I decided I wanted to try it out on my own first and see where it takes me.

MFAA: How have you overcome them?

AN: As cliché as it sounds, I have a two-year plan. If I can’t make it in two years, I will close shop. I have always worked well under pressure especially knowing what the worst-case scenario is. To be honest, the worst-case scenario isn’t too bad and having experience running a business will only increase my skill set.

MFAA: What are you most excited about looking towards the future?

AN: Being able to assist my clients again. I thrive on human interaction and this industry is very much a relationship building one. I have missed being at the forefront of assisting people and educating them on their finances. I would also like to get to know other brokers and develop a stronger relationship with BDM’s. Now having the experience on both sides, I didn’t release how many people I was able to relate to. A dear friend told me that broking is a lonely business, but it doesn’t have to be, and BDM work is trying on the best of days. I would like to help with creating a supportive industry to help with educating future brokers.